Montenegro to Reverse Türkiye Visa Suspension Within Days

Montenegro is set to reinstate its visa-free travel agreement with Türkiye, with the country's top diplomat predicting the reversal will occur within the next two weeks. The announcement comes after a brief suspension that strained diplomatic ties and caused significant inconvenience for travelers.

Diplomatic Reassurance

Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic provided the optimistic timeline during a press conference in Podgorica alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. "We are in constant communication with the Prime Minister Milojko Spajic," Ibrahimovic stated, adding, "I believe the decision to suspend visa-free travel with Türkiye will be revoked within 10-15 days." He also noted that Turkish diplomatic missions in Montenegro had been overwhelmed with applications following the suspension, highlighting the immediate impact of the policy.

The Incident Behind the Suspension

The controversial decision to suspend the visa-waiver program was made by Prime Minister Spajic, who announced it on social media platform X. This move was a direct response to a knife attack on October 25th in Podgorica, which local media initially and incorrectly reported involved Turkish nationals. The erroneous reporting fueled a wave of anti-Turkish sentiment in the Montenegrin capital, prompting the government's swift but premature action.

Investigation Clears Turkish Nationals

Subsequent judicial proceedings have fully exonerated any Turkish involvement. The Higher Court in Podgorica disclosed on October 31st that two individuals detained in connection with the violent incident were released after a thorough investigation conclusively determined they had no connection to the attack. This revelation undermined the primary justification for the suspension of the visa-free regime with Türkiye.